Arts University Bournemouth

Postgraduate

AUB fosters an interdisciplinary learning environment that celebrates ideas and empowers students to collaborate with other artists and performers. Its impressive range of postgraduate courses are delivered through a range of methods and are designed to offer students opportunities to:

• Interrogate existing ways of working
• Take creative risks by exploring original ideas and techniques
• Confidently gain a deeper understanding of their subject
• Develop practical skills to an advanced level

Course lecturers are experts in art, design, and media, bringing years of industry experience into a unique and creative academic environment. They are able to effectively communicate their expertise and are committed to the success of their students.

The university’s Industry Secondment scheme enables AUB staff to undertake work placements with leading companies, actively engaging with industry to ensure that all teaching is reflective of current industry practice. In the Teaching Excellence Framework (2023), AUB received an overall Silver award.

AUB also hosts a number of visiting industry professionals and practitioners throughout the year to share their industry experience with students.

Arts University Bournemouth students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Support on the course is brilliant and course content is challenging and informative.”

“I am able to learn a lot through the lectures or assignments which are curated very well.”

“I love the practical nature of the course and also the support from facilitators and student support.”

Postgraduate applicants to AUB must usually hold a BA (Hons) degree at 2:1 or equivalent. However, the university does consider applicants who do not have a 2:1 in their first degree, and encourages applications from talented people regardless of their educational background.

AUB will consider other qualifications and relevant work experience which demonstrates sufficient knowledge and skill needed to fulfil the objectives of the course.

As part of the application process, applicants may need to attend an interview and submit a portfolio of work that demonstrates their ability.

English language

Since all degree programmes are delivered in English, applicants for whom English is not their first language must meet a minimum English language proficiency requirement before enrolling on their course. 

Standard requirements are as follows:

• Master’s degrees (MA, MArch, MRes): IELTS overall score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 5.5
• Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or PhD: IELTS overall score of 7.0 with a 7.0 in the writing band, and no other band score lower than 6.5

Other equivalent qualifications are accepted.

AUB has been a leading specialist education provider for the arts and creative industries for 140 years.

The university has a strong reputation for delivering highly skilled, work-ready graduates through initiatives including ‘live briefs’, project-based work, and active cross-department collaborations.

All academic staff are experts in their fields, often undertaking industry secondments in order to ensure their knowledge and teaching is current and relevant to industry.

AUB’s areas of specialty includes its illustration course, which has an extremely high graduate employment rate, and its costume design degree, which is successful at progressing many AUB graduates into leading creative productions in film, theatre, and television. 

The university is also home to the largest film school outside of London, and one of the longest-established anywhere in the UK. This gives AUB a unique and long-standing culture of creative design and production, making it one of the top schools in its field nationally.

Arts University Bournemouth students on Postgraduate Search say:

“All students have access to a big amount of workshops etc. in modern facilities with professional staff to support your process and answer all your questions.”

“AUB stands out as a dynamic and inspiring choice for aspiring artists and designers.”

“Well established specialist courses with generally excellent facilities and a good balance of intensive taught and self-directed study.”

For most courses at AUB, students work towards building a portfolio of work through practical assignments. They are offered the chance to work on ‘live brief’ projects and are encouraged to enter major competitions to help them stand out in industry and gain recognition for their work.

Business and entrepreneurship skills are also taught as fundamental parts of many courses. This means that AUB students are not only taught subject-specific knowledge, but also learn about the transferable skills and attitude needed to succeed in the workplace.

AUB’s careers and enterprise service helps students to prepare for and pursue a career in the creative industries. It provides one-to-one advice, sessions for CV writing and interview preparation, and skills development in self-promotion, networking, and self-employment and/or freelancing.

Additionally, AUB has an expanded network of tens of thousands of alumni working in a wide variety of professional sectors across the UK and abroad. Current students may benefit from connecting with this group of professionals, where they are able to gain valuable insights and advice for starting their own career.

Arts University Bournemouth students on Postgraduate Search say:

“I was able to get a great internship through the tutors.”

“AUB also allows me to continue on my professional journey while completing my master’s degree.”

“For the job prospects, they really push/give students the best possibilities, so that by the end of the course you will have a way into chosen career path.”

Student union

The students’ union, AUBSU, is run by a team of democratically elected student officers, whose primary role is to ensure that all students have the best possible experience.

The AUBSU team ensures that the student voice is heard and works to enact changes that enrich the lives of students.

Clubs and societies

AUBSU runs a number of sports clubs, including badminton, boxing, climbing, fencing, football, netball, rugby, surfing, Tae Kwon Do and volleyball. It also runs a host of societies covering hobbies and special interests like cosplay, dance, debating and philosophy, games, sculpting and writing.

It also runs a mature student network, an environmentalist network, and an LGBT+ network. Clubs, societies, and networks are open to all students, including postgraduates. Membership is either free or offered at a low-cost fee.

City life

Bournemouth is most famous for its award-winning beaches. Students can soak up the sun and the fun of the pier on Bournemouth’s main beach, or hit the surf nearby.

The town’s bustling centre has plenty to keep shopping enthusiasts happy, as well as a multiplex cinema, plenty of parks and gardens, and a buzzing nightlife scene. Bournemouth is a longtime holder of the Purple Flag accreditation for safe nightlife.

Arts University Bournemouth students on Postgraduate Search say:

“I have experienced almost all of the facilities available on campus and have really enjoyed every aspect of life at AuB.”

“Lots of extracurricular events planned by the SU and graduate school to help students engage with other courses, ranging from social activities to career development and networking.”

“Students are surrounded with colourful abstract buildings, creative environment and with extraordinary students with outstanding ideas.”

Accommodation

AUB offers two halls of residence for MA students.

October-intake MA students can apply for en-suite rooms at Madeira Road. February-intake students can find en-suite and studio rooms at the Campus Halls. 

All options are for single occupancy and have internet access. On site, students have access to laundry facilities, lockable mailboxes, bike storage and a 24/7 reception and security service.

Bookings open in advance, and rooms are limited and not guaranteed.

Facilities

State-of-the-art spaces at AUB include:

• A purpose-built drawing studio to provide a space rich in natural light.
• Theatre and dance studio with facilities including Harlequin sprung dance floors and industry-standard lighting, audio and visual equipment.
• Printroom and Passiv Haus catering to students studying fine art, illustration, graphic design and fashion.
• The Museum of Design in Plastics, the UK’s leading research facility for the study of plastics in design.
• TheGallery, offering a platform for students alongside local, national and international artists.
• Bournemouth Film School, one of the oldest film schools in the UK and the largest outside London.
• An expansive library holding a wide range of print and online resources.

Arts University Bournemouth students on Postgraduate Search say:

“A very well equipped library and plenty of industry standard equipment available for loan.”

“Great place to study, with fantastic facilities.”

“It has everything which a modern class university needs along with lush green landscape views.”

AUB takes the welfare of its students seriously and has a number of support services to help students with any issue they may face during their time studying.

The student services team is on-hand to provide advice and guidance on a range of student issues. Academic and study skills support is offered through the Study Skills and EAP team.

Senior wellbeing officers offer a daily drop-in service where they provide guidance on practical strategies for managing all types of issues and can refer students to local NHS mental health services.

AUB also offers a student counselling service, through which students can book private sessions with a BACP-accredited therapist who will help students work through their problems in a confidential and non-judgmental manner.

Students with physical disabilities and learning difficulties are fully supported by the AUB support team to fulfil their requirements.

AUB also has an on-campus GP and nurse, who students can book appointments with during term time, and a dedicated faith and reflection centre offering a chaplaincy service for people of all faiths or none.

Arts University Bournemouth students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Had the best support from the advisers.”

“Student success is promoted by the development of a support plan and the implementation of research-based instructional and behavioural practices which I really feel here.”

“AUB is a place where you can belong without any judgements. It is a safe space to learn and improve and be yourself.”

AUB offers academic achievement scholarships. Applicants with a 2:1 degree may be eligible for a 10% course fee discount. The university also offers a scholarship for relevant experience, which represents a 10% fee discount.

The International Excellence Scholarship is worth £5,000, and recognises artistic merit. This is awarded by the course leader on each of the university’s MA courses.

Taught

• MA Animation Production
• MA Film Practice
• MA Fine Art
• MA Graphic Design
• MA Illustration
• Master of Architecture (Part 2 ARB/RIBA)
• MA Photography
• MA Digital Fashion Innovation
• MA Historical Costume
• MA Painting
• MRes Arts (Master of Research)

Research

AUB offers a Master of Research (MRes Arts) course designed for students who wish to study at master’s level with an independent project as part of their course. This helps students develop their research skills and provides a stepping-stone towards doctoral study.

The university also offers a range of MPhil and PhD research degrees.

Research degrees are awarded and validated through the university’s partnership with University of the Arts London.

Distance learning

AUB Online offers master’s courses designed specifically for online delivery and distance learning. They’re perfect for students who are motivated to take the next step in their career but would prefer to do it at their own pace. 

AUB Online courses and annual fees

• MA Film Practice (online): £8,500
• MA Graphic Design (online): £9,900
• MA Illustration (online): £9,900
• MA Interior Design (online): £8,500
• MA Landscape Architecture Studies (online): £8,500
• MA Photography (online): £9,900